Ultracet and pain meds

I've been taking Ultrcet for about a month for shingles. Frankly, I hurt so bad to start with that all I wanted to do was sleep and that's what two Ultrcets let me do. The side affects initially were nausea and loss of appetite. Once I decided to eat regularly, hungry or not, the nausea has gone away. I've had to work and found that I can only take a half a tab every three to four hours during the day and still function. I've evidently built up a tolerance to them now because I have to take two about nine at nite and another two about two in the morning. I appreciate the thoughts about tapering off rather then quiting cold turkey. I've been non-social too but it's mainly because I don't feel good anyhow. The pain from the shingles is unrelenting and I have to stay on top of the pain meds, making sure the dosage is adequate without using too much. The initial outbreak went away and I still have all the pain and now I think I'm getting another outbreak. Seeing the doctor next week. Not a drug I'd want to take on a regular basis but it sure helps for now.

My doctor gave me this medication for 2 reasons, 1.) my RA and 2.) the pain that I keep getting in my ear.
Now yes it has made me feel kinda happy , but I do not take it unless the pain in my ear gets really bad, I really don't take it for the RA like I am supposed too.
Last Oct. I fell in the bathroom and injured my ribs on the left side, I did use this medication , about 1 pill every 8 to 10 hrs. . I don't like to take precription drugs unless I have too!
However I was glad I had it for that pain as we were traveling the next day for a week.
I did in Oct. notice that it was hard even with the way I took it then to come off it. I gave it much thought and lowered the med. till I got to 1 ever other day and then I stopped it.
This March I started with pain in my ear so bad that it kept me awake at night so I tried the ultracet for that , again being careful as to how much I would use. It has helped me with that.
Please note I am a person who can't take much pain meds or antiinflamatory meds. I have many medical issuse. I will find herbal meds that work better. Like most of us you need to research anything you take and above all use common horse since!!!
Some people have no tolorance to meds others can do better . You have to find what works best for you!!
I will not take the ultracet on a regular bases. Take only if really needed and still be prudent with it.
As for my ear I will be seeing an Ear, Nose & Throat Spec..
Again My side effectS as follows:
Happy feeling
Headache after it wore off
If I took it more the 2 with in 24 hrs. I felt dizzy!
therefore I know my do's and don't with this med. .
To all of you out there always read what is in it , know your body and look for other things you can do .

I love Ultracet!!! I have degenerative disc disease and a lumbar herniated disc, but have been resistant to taking pain meds due to the risk of addiction and also due to the adverse cognitive side effects. I do not feel sluggish or "fuzzy" and can perform my job without impairment-not to mention the pain relief! However, I do feel a bit hyper and euthymic, but for me that is a bonus!

Out of the experiences I have had with muscle pain in my legs, and the simple occurances of some Foreign Dr. from the middle east, I have been frustrated to the point where suicide is an option. I can never talk to these rag head bastards about my problems, because they seem to think you're a liar whose out to get some good pain meds. I never get taken seriously, and can't really lead a normal life. I was prescribed Ultracet, and told the Dr. of the side effects, while he stood there, looking down at me, with his pen in his mouth, spitting out some middle eastern bullshit while I am paying the bastard! No more. No more. I think it's time the patients have the say so over their treatment, not some foreign bastard who only works at a shitty hospital for the pay. I'll never pay another Dr. Bill as long as I fucking live...ever again. As God is my wittness.